Tuesday, December 31, 2013

How do you measure your year? Good times, bad times, the year continues on so tonight on the last night of the year celebrate just a bit. Go ahead give that one that you love a hug and wish them a happy new year. Enter the new year, a new season of life, with hope and love

Monday, December 30, 2013

Soon we will be preparing our delicious bowl of ham and beans for New Years Day. Whether you will be partaking in a traditional bowl of beans or perhaps trying a new recipe like black eyed peas soup you will need a bit of crumb to enjoy. The recipe I share today will also provide a bit of heat. Hope you enjoy

Combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and butter. With a wooden spoon, stir the wet ingredients into the dry until most of the lumps are dissolved. Don't overmix! Mix in 2 cups of the grated Cheddar, the scallions and jalapenos, and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with the remaining grated Cheddar and extra chopped scallions. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and cut into large squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Remember our feathered friends this winter and create them a special treat. This is a fun way for both adult and child whether it be mom and child or grandparent and grandchild or any combination to get together and do some good. Food source for our feathered friends has been limited with the frozen ground and they may need a little help. This easy to make bird feeder will allow you to do just that.

All you will need is a pinecone. Perhaps a walk under the pines like I did many time as a child at my grandparents or a trip to the local craft store where they can be easily found. A pine cone is not a need for this craft though you can use a small piece of wood or an empty toilet paper roll. Peanut butter is the perfect texture if your child has a nut allergy you can also use honey. Smear the peanut butter or honey on the pinecone or other surface you choose to use. On top sprinkle bird seed (it may help to hold the surface piece over a bag or bowl) To make a hanger you can use string, yarn, or anything to make a knot so that it can hang on the garden tree branch, fence, clothes line. Best if it can be seen through the window where it will provide entertainment to the children.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Did you get that special gift that you wanted for Christmas? Do you have that special outfit that you want to wear in the new year? Whatever it is that you may want you could very well find it at Wal-Mart. Lucky you could enter the $50 Walmart gift card

Mix Jell-O according to package directions, and pour into individual clear cups about 1 inch high. Refrigerate until set. In a large punch bowl, add Sprite or 7up, pineapple juice and scoops of sherbet. Let flavors mesh for 10 minutes. Spoon punch and scoop sherbet into each cup. Sprinkle strawberries for garnish, and top off with a bubble tea straw. Enjoy! Note: if you have leftovers, place in pitcher and refrigerate. It tastes just as delicious the next day.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Eating black eyed peas is a new years tradition at our house. It is considered a source of luck for the new year that will bring prosperity in the new year. It is also part of the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashana and has been recorded in the Babylonianian era.

The tradition has also been traced back to the Civil War. Union troops stripped the countryside of all stored food, crops and livestock and destroyed whatever they could not carry away. Northeners often considered the black eyed peas "field peas" suitable only for animal fodder and did not steal or destroy these humble foods. Southerners would cook the peas with a pork product for flavoring such as bacon, ham bones, fatback or hog jowl, diced onion, and served with hot chili sauce or a pepper flavored vinegar.

Normally collard, turnip, or mustard greens and ham. The peas swelled when cooked and symbolize prosperity, the greens symbolize money and the pork represents positive motion Served along with cornbread you have the traditional meal served at our house New Years Day

Black Eyed Peas Soup

1 pound dried black eyed peas

1 pound spicy sausage (I used some kielbasa
sausage)

6 cups chicken broth

1 yellow onion, diced

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

4 cloves garlic, diced

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Tabasco sauce (to taste...or omit!)

Soak your beans overnight. (This is the hardest
part for me to remember...don't forget!:)) Drain in the morning. Dice the veggies, and put them into your
crockpot with the beans. Add your sliced sausage and then pour in the broth,
italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high
for about 6.

We were discussing great buys and freezing products when you buy in bulk the other day. Many of those listening were suprised what could be frozen and had no idea for how long it could be done. Here is a short list of products you can freeze and for how long

Place a big pot of water on the stove, top with a metal or glass bowl and melt the chocolate candy bars. Add in the heavy cream and stir well. Next goes in the vodka. Now there's no real measurement for that, just add to your taste, if you like it a little stronger add more, if you don't want it too strong add less.

Mix everything well, pour into a pitcher and let sit on the counter until it's cooled down. Transfer to the fridge to cool. When it's nice and chilled, pour into shot glasses and enjoy!!!!

New Years Eve will find us eating cornbread, beans, spinach, slaw, and some great desserts the reason we eat the same the first of every year Here are few more recipes that I found on Vocal Point that are meant for good luck.

Creamy Grape Salad

Sure, you could just stick 12 grapes on a stick and call it lucky. But how fun is that? Whip up this creamy and fresh dessert instead. Each grape represents one month of the year—some grapes (and months) are sour, others are sweet. Grape growers in Spain started the tradition in 1909, and would eat 12 grapes before midnight. The tradition spread to Portugal, Cuba, Mexico and Peru. Make grapes your lucky fruit of the night!

Stir the cream cheese and yogurt to combine in a large bowl. Gently fold in the grapes until they are covered. Sprinkle on the almonds. Substitute with walnuts or any other nuts you have left over from the holidays.

Spicy Noodles with Citrus Fruit

Asian countries eat long noodles on New Year’s Eve for good luck, so serve this sweet and tangy recipe at your New Year’s dinner. Dried rice noodles are great, but if you have any stir-fry noodles around or even plain spaghetti, go ahead and use that—we won’t tell!

In large pot, boil 6 cups water. Add noodles and cook until tender. While they cook, peel citrus fruits and cut into wedges. Put in large bowl. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water, then combine in bowl with fruit. In medium bowl, whisk sesame oil, sweet chili sauce, honey, and salt until mixed. Taste-test the sauce (it’ll be strong, but it will mellow out in the noodles) and adjust ingredients to taste. Drizzle over noodles and fruit and serve.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

We are in full swing of the winter season and the holidays. Germs are every where and the cold weather is not making it any better. Seems like there are several people under the weather suffering from cold and flu symptoms. One thing that I find very useful in making one feel better is to make up a hot toddy. The soothing drink can warm one up and allow them to relax as well.

This warming alcoholic concoction has its roots in the 18th and 19th century, which even without taking global warming into consideration were cold centuries. It allows you to mix whisky with hot water and flavours to take the edge off the spirit. It’s a great drink and a top variation on the theme of other hot booze like mulled wine or mulled cider.

Whisky one with a sweet flavor often works best
Honey: .
Cinnamon
Cloves
Boiling water

Method:
Simply put a shot of whisky in a mug and top up with boiling water.
Add a generous spoonful of honey and stir in
Add a couple of cloves and some cinnamon to taste.
Enjoy while wrapped up, shared with a loved one!

Now while you may figure well that the day to celebrate the candy cane is in December and you would be right Candy Cane Day is today December 26, 2013

Candy Cane is traditionally red and white. However can be found in a great variety of colors and flavors.

One of my favorite treats to make with candy canes is candy cane bark oh how yummy In fact will be making a batch for one of my good friends tomorrow

Candy Cane Bark

Makes: Approx. 10x10 Square, Broken into small
pieces

10 ounces White Chocolate, Chopped

9 Candy Canes, Crushed into small
pieces

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside
until needed. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe
bowl. Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds. Remove
the bowl from the microwave and stir. Repeat the same
microwave-and-stir process until the chocolate is completely melted and
smooth. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, let it
slightly cool on the counter for about 5 minutes. Once cooled, add
the crushed candy canes into the white chocolate, reserving 2 tablespoons for
topping the bark. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and
spread is evenly until its ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle the remaining
crushed candy canes over the white chocolate mixture. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator until its
firm, about 10 minutes. Once it has hardened, break it apart into
medium-sized pieces.

PREPARE 12 cookies as directed on package. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely. TO MAKE HATS, ADHERE Jingles to pretzel snaps with frosting. Set aside.TO MAKE SNOWMEN, INSERT 2 pretzel sticks into each side of 12 marshmallows to create arms on base of snowman. Spread a heaping teaspoon of frosting onto center of each cookie; top with snowman base. Press down lightly. Spread additional frosting on top of each snowman base. Top with remaining 12marshmallows. Dip orange candies and mini morsels into frosting and add noses, eyes and buttons to snowmen. For scarf, tie each piece of licorice loosely around neck of snowman using frosting as glue, if necessary. Let both hats and snowmen bases stand for 20 minutes to set frosting and make snowmen stable.PRIOR TO SERVING, adhere hats to snowman head with frosting. If snowmen need to set up more, lean them against a glass or can to set.

When my children were young we would wait for that special day where the Santa Clause train would visit our home town. Oh this was a special day for everyone as all would meet at the depot in the cold to await for the special man who would make his arrival on the train. The train was decked out and looked great. each boy and girl would get a special gift This tradition has been around for many years and all though we no longer live in the area where the train comes to meet boys and girls we always think at this time of year about that special train

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

- See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20519#sthash.1yibabzo.dpuf

If you find yourself busy during the holidays and there seems no time to cook a great meal then you may want to try this easy to prepare and fix meal. It simply cooks in the crockpot and takes up little time. Perfect for that busy day.

Great for Busy Days :
Crockpot Meal

Love this recipe that I just
located. It is perfect for those nights where one is busy during the daytime and
wants to enjoy a great meal before heading out for some fun in the evening

So Yummy!!!

Complete Steak Dinner in CrockPot

Use a thick 3/4 inch steak
Pour a 1/2 cup A1 or Heinz 57 sauce over meat
cover with a layer of foil
add foil wrapped potatoes ... and foil wrapped frozen corn cobs cook on low for 6
hours Full steak dinner any night of the week! This can also be done with
thick pork chops or chicken breasts and BBQ sauce. The whole meal cooks in the
slow cooker.

Friday, December 20, 2013

When I was a kid my mother did not have a lot of money but she always wanted to give those she fondly of something for Christmas. So she often used her talent in the kitchen to give all she knew included friends, family, those who served and taught us something sweet to eat. This recipe is a new one to me but I just wonder .... just wonder if it would not have wound up on the list to make for those she knew and loved.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick baking spray or line with nonstick foil; set aside. Place 1 tsp. of the flour in a small bowl and stir in brown sugar; stir in 2 Tbsp. of the walnuts and reserve for topping. In a large bowl combine remaining flour, remaining walnuts, baking powder, baking soda and sugar; set aside. Beat the egg in a medium bowl. Peel the bananas and gently mash into the egg. Stir in the yogurt and applesauce, then fold in the dried fruit. Pour the fruit mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Place the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with the reserved topping. Bake in the center of the oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf will come out clean when done. Remove from oven and cool before slicing. To store wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang on at least 2 sides. Mist with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in brown sugar until no lumps remain. Whisk in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until just incorporated. Stir in peanuts and pretzels. Pour batter into baking pan and smooth with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of dulce de leche on top; swirl decoratively with a knife. Bake blondies until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into a solid part comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cool fully in pan on a wire rack. Grasping overhanging foil on either side of pan, lift out blondies and place on a cutting board. Carefully peel off foil before cutting into 16 squares. Serve.

Recently I shared a recipe that our family loves. Pickle rolls are often served at parties that we host
They are always a big hit. You can find the recipe on our blog. If you want an easier recipe with all the same great taste then you may want to check out this recipe for Pickle roll dip

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

I loved the Waltons as I was growing up. I have a sister named after two of the characters Erin Elizabeth. You see my mother loved the show as well. As I listen to Grandpas Christmas wish I begin to think of all the past Christmas memories of those I spent with my own parents and grandparents as well as those that I spend with my children and grandchildren. I look forward to those that are still to come and know that even though the members of the family may change the memories will always be there. I hope you listen to his wish and do some thinking of your own.

Do you love those little balls of peanut butter and chocolate they call buckeyes? Well me to. The only problem is trying to find enough time to get it all done. The presents wrapped, the tree and house decorated, and all the goodies baked. That's why when I see an opportunity to save some time I take it. With this Buckeye bark the same chocolate peanut butter taste is present with out all the time it takes to roll up all those little balls

Buckeye bark recipe

Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside until ready to use. Melt butter and add to a bowl of an electric stand mixer. Add in peanut butter and mix to combine. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar until everything is combined and you get a thick peanut butter mixture. It will remind you of really soft fudge and should hold together if rolled into a ball. Melt 1-1/2 pounds of chocolate and spread into the bottom of the parchment-lined pan. Let cool and harden and then press peanut butter butter mixture evenly on top of the chocolate. Melt remaining chocolate, spread onto peanut butter, let harden, then cut into squares and enjoy!

Monday, December 16, 2013

With the winter weather here and the holiday breaks many of us will be preparing more breakfast than we normally do. We all want to please our families but there may be times that we just want something different. For those times here are a few tasty recipes.

Denver Style Breakfast Burritos

8 eggs

1 tub (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Original Cooking Creme,
divided

1/2 cupeach chopped green peppers and
onions

1 cup chopped OSCAR MAYER CARVING BOARD Slow Cooked
Ham

8 flour tortillas (6 inch),
warmed

WHISK eggs and 1/2 cup cooking creme
until well blended; set aside. COOK and stir vegetables and ham in
large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat 2 to 3 min. or until
vegetables are crisp-tender. Add egg mixture; cook 3 min. or until set, stirring
occasionally. SPREAD
tortillas with remaining cooking creme; top with egg mixture. Fold in
opposite sides of each tortilla, then roll up, burrito-style

recipe source Kraft

Spread a banana with peanut butter, slice into bite size pieces, roll in rice krispie cereal (cocoa krispies would be great too!)